Scrolling billboard and method of operation

ABSTRACT

A scrolling billboard having a frame, a first pair of mandrels mounted within the frame supporting an elongate banner having multiple sign images. One sign image is viewable within the frame opening. A pair of sign drive motors are connected to the first pair of mandrels. A second pair of mandrels move a curtain relative to the frame opening between a blocked position where view of the sign is obstructed and a viewing position in which view of the sign is unobstructed. The mandrels are tubular and internally supported by mandrel supports to prevent sagging. A controller cooperates with the sign and curtain drive motors to change the viewable image by: moving the curtain to the closed position, Changing the sign image, and returning the curtain to the viewing position. An add/remove fixture is disclosed to insert or remove signs from the banner. A corresponding method is also disclosed.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This application relates to large format scrolling billboard suitablefor outdoor use and the associated method of scrolling billboard thebillboard. Particularly the apparatus and method used for adding andremoving signs from the scrolling banner in the billboard.

BACKGROUND

Billboards have been used in outdoor advertising for well over a hundredyears. As the industry has matured in North America, billboards havegenerally fallen into two sized formats, a large highway sign formatwhich is approximately 14 feet by 48 feet long and a smaller bulletinformat which is approximately 8 feet high and 20 feet long. The signimage is frequently printed on a waterproof paper or a plastic film andadhered or mounted on permanent a sign structure. These signs aredesigned to be periodically replaced to change the sign image or toreplace a worn or faded sign.

Changing a conventional billboard sign takes a significant amount oftime and labor in addition to the cost of the new sign material. In thelast ten years LED billboards are starting to be utilized in hightraffic locations where there is a strong demand for billboard space.The significant advantage of an LED sign over a conventional static signis that the images can be quickly changed without requiring labor, andgreater revenue can be achieved from a given sign location by cyclingbetween a series of sign images which can vary depending on the time ofday and the demographics of the expected traffic passing by the sign.The use of LED billboards has raised a number of concerns with differentmunicipalities. The signs can be distracting if changed quickly or ifthey present a moving image. Similarly, the signs can be very bright andchange the look of the environment. Accordingly, several municipalitiesand even some states have banned or restricted the use of LED signs. Yetanother significant disadvantage of LED signs is their cost. The costand installation of a 40-foot LED sign can cost over $150,000 dollarsand incur significant ongoing utility bills to power the sign.

An alternative way of rapidly changing sign images is to display a signprinted on a roll of sign paper suspended, between two rollers, whererotating the rollers causes a sign to scroll. Scrolling signs date backover one hundred years, however they never have been widely adopted inoutdoor signage. Scrolling signs tend to be very small and it isdifficult to add or remove signs once the scroll has been printed. Anexample of a scrolling sign used currently are scrolling signs used inmajor league baseball parks behind home plate. These signs are typically3 feet by 10 feet in size and scroll between two or more images duringthe ball game.

SUMMARY

The Applicant has sought to develop a scrolling billboard suitable foroutdoor use which can be built in the large billboard sized formats toquickly scroll between a series of signs wound about two spaced apartmandrels. The preferred sign embodiment disclosed has a number offeatures which are independently novel, which can be used alone or incombination in a scrolling billboard. One such feature is a curtainmounted in front of the scrolling sign which would block the sign fromview when the sign is scrolling, with the curtain moving to an openposition when the sign has been indexed so that the view isunobstructed. At least one drive motor operates the curtain which iscontrolled by a controller programmed to coordinate the movement of thesign and curtain during sign changes. Use of the curtain minimizesdistraction of drivers when the scrolling billboard is placed by ahighway. This provides a cleaner presentation of the advertising mediaon the sign.

The scrolling billboard includes a frame surrounded by a sign which isbetween a pair of spaced apart mandrels supporting an elongate bannerhaving multiple sign images. The frame provides the general enclosurewith an open front through which the sign can be viewed. The frameopening is covered by a transparent plastic window, protecting the signfrom weather and resisting sign fluttering when exposed to high winds.

One of the novel features of the preferred embodiment, which can be usedalone or in combination with the other novel features presented, is asystem for adding or removing signs by cutting the sign banner to removea sign and/or insert a new sign into the banner. The add/remove signfeature is provided by a cutting guide positioned adjacent the backsideof the elongate banner, a splicing station to facilitate the positioningof the new sign, and the attachment of the sign to the existing bannerin proper alignment. The controller monitors the addition or the removalof signs to the banner in order to control their sequentialpresentation.

Another novel feature of the preferred embodiment, which can be usedalone or in combination with the other novel features presented, is asystem of mandrel supports which project into the tubular mandrelssupporting the sign banner. The mandrel support bias the mandrelsupwardly with enough force to minimized sagging do to the weight of thesign banner. The mandrel supports are adjusted as the weight of thebanner wound about the mandrel varies. The controller monitors the signweight and signals a drive motors to adjust the mandrel supports.

Another feature of the preferred billboard is a digital camera affixedto an elongate arm mounted to the billboard frame enabling the digitalcamera to periodically capture and store the time stamp image of thedigital color image. The stored color image can be utilized to monitorchanges in sign color, record the time images displayed, and to monitorsign illumination level. Preferably, sign illumination length is coupledto the camera controller providing sign imaging data to a remote serveraccessible by remote users. The use of the digital camera associatedwith the sign provides the novel method of monitoring billboards in anoutdoor advertising network enabling the advertisers to monitor theimage, color, and illumination of their sign. This digital camera systemand method is particularly useful when used with a scrolling billboardwhen an advertisers image may be periodically displayed along with otheradvertisers having images on the same banner roll.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a scrolling billboard on an outdooradvertising structure;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional side elevation of the scrolling billboardtaken along line 2-2 in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a partial perspective view of the scrolling curtain partiallycut away to show the scrolling side there behind;

FIG. 4 is a view of a sign banner and associated support mandrels;

FIG. 5 is an exploded enlarged view of the sign banner showing thespacing between adjacent signs;

FIGS. 6A-6C are a series of partial perspective views showing a signcurtain having an opaque section and a transparent section movingbetween the closed position and the opened position;

FIGS. 7A-7H are a series of series of partial side views showing theprocess for adding a sign to the elongate banner;

FIGS. 8A and 8B are perspective views of the add remove a sign fixture;

FIGS. 9A 9C depict the spring clamp for urging the add/remove fixtureelongate beams together;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the orientation of the frame, twosets of mandrels, the drive motors and the add/remove a sign fixture;

FIG. 11 is a view of the curtain the mandrel and the associated drivemotor;

FIG. 12 is an exploded side view showing the connection betweenadjoining mandrel sections;

FIG. 13 is a partial perspective view showing the orientation of thelower curtain mandrel support with the mandrel removed;

FIGS. 14A-14C are a partial side view of a mandrel showing theorientation of the mandrel support and mandrel support drive motor and acutaway side views of a mandrel, showing the orientation of the mandrelsupport;

FIGS. 15A 15B are a partial side view of an alternate mandrel assemblyshowing the orientation of the alternate mandrel support and mandrelsupport drive motor and an enlarged cutaway side view of a mandrelsupport;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the front of the sign showing theorientation of the panels making up the window mounted in the frameopening;

FIG. 17 is an enlarged perspective rear view of the panels making up thewindow and the associated tensile members;

FIGS. 18A-18D are enlarged perspective views illustrating details of thetensile member attachment to the frame;

FIG. 19 is a simplified side view illustrating the sealed frameenclosure and air pump for maintaining a positive pressure within theenclosure;

FIG. 20 illustrates a user raising a replacement sign up to thescrolling sign frame at a remote sign location;

FIGS. 21A-21C illustrates a cable attachment for a replacement signroll;

FIGS. 22A 22C illustrates a trolley on a boom of the cable hoist used tolift a replacement sign roll;

FIG. 23 illustrates a system for monitoring a network of billboards eachhaving a digital camera to monitor the sign image, a digital camera isconnected to a central server and data base accessible by the billboardcompany and its advertisers;

FIG. 24 illustrates an inflation stem for the billboard internal cavity;and

FIG. 25 illustrates an end view of a trailer for transporting abillboard over a roadway.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosedherein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodimentsare merely exemplary of the invention that may be embodied in variousand alternative forms. The figures are not necessarily to scale; somefeatures may be exaggerated or minimized to show details of particularcomponents. Therefore, specific structural and functional detailsdisclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as arepresentative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variouslyemploy the present invention.

FIG. 1 illustrates a scrolling billboard 30 mounted on a typicalbillboard on a post or support structure 32. FIG. 2 is a simplifiedcross-section of a scrolling billboard 30. The scrolling billboard isprovided with a peripheral framed structure 34 defining an opening 36 inwhich a transparent plastic window 38 is mounted. Immediately behind awindow 38 is curtain 40 which is held between a pair of elongatemandrels 42 and 42′. As the curtain mandrels are rotated the curtain 40transitions between an open position and one or more closed positions.In the open position a sign image on banner 44 is visible through window38. Banner 44 wraps around upper and lower idle rolls 46 and 46′ thatare wound about elongate sign mandrels 48 and 48′. By rotating the signmandrels of 48 and 48′ the banner 44 can be moved in order to expose adifferent sign image. The large sectional perspective view of the uppercorner of the curtain, sign mandrel and banner idle support roller isshow in FIG. 3. Curtain 40 is shown in partial cutaway view wrappedaround curtain mandrel 42. In this embodiment, curtain 42 has an opaquesection 50 in a transparent section 52. The distal ends of the curtain40 are attached to curtain mandrels 42 and 42′.

Immediately behind curtain 40 is sign banner 44. The sign banner 44 iswrapped over sign idle roller 46 and is wound about sign mandrel 48.Sign mandrel 48 is driven by a motor (not Shown) to advance the sign ina desired direction.

FIG. 4 is an unrolled cutaway view of the sign banner 44 and theassociated mandrels 48 and 48′. The banner 44 is provided with wide endmargins 54 and 54′ which can be attached to the mandrels 48 and 48′. Anenlarge view of the sign banner 44 is shown in FIG. 5 illustrating theperforated section 56 between each sign image. The perforations enablethe banner to be cut and reconnected, so a sign image can be added orremoved, and the ends of the banner rejoined in actuate alignment. Theperforation are preferably space horizontally 1-3 feet apart. Aplurality of rows, preferably 4-10 rows of perforations are providedbetween sign images, with the rows spaced less than 2 inches apart,preferably about 0.75 inches apart.

One example of a curtain 40 is shown in FIGS. 6A to 6C has an opaquesection 50 and a transparent section 52 wound about upper and lowercurtain mandrels 42 and 42′. By rotating the curtain mandrels, thecurtain 40 moves vertically as illustrated. Optionally the curtain canbe provided with an opaque blank panel 50 shown in FIG. 6A and one ormore panels having sign images. When sign images are provided on thecurtain banner the images are preferably separated by perforatedsections like the sign banner perforated section 56 shown in FIG. 5.When switching between images are displayed on the curtain images theyare advanced in one at a time in sequence. Switching between adjacentcurtain images takes about 1 second. By moving the curtain shown in FIG.6B to the transparent panel shown in FIG. 6C, the rearwardly locatedsign banner 44 is visible. When an opaque curtain section is displayedthe sing banner can be moved to any desired location without causing avisual distraction. When the curtain is transparent, the sign banner canbe advance one position, up or down. If more than one sign position areto be changed the curtain is moved to an opaque panel to avoid thevisual distraction of the sign scrolling for a period of more than about1 second. Preferably, upper and lower sign mandrels and the curtainmandrels can each be driven by their own drive motors which are moved ina synchronized manner by a computer controller.

As will be described with reference to FIGS. 7A-9I as signs are added orremoved the spacing between sign images changes by a lengthcorresponding to the perforation spacing, or 0.75 inches in theillustrated embodiment, the controller keeps track to the sign imagespacing in order to properly position the image in the window opening.

FIGS. 7A-9H illustrate the process of adding a new sign to sign banner44. To simplify the explanation only the sign banner 44 is illustratedpassing through sign holder 60. In the preferred billboard embodiment 30both the sign banner 44 and the curtain 40 will pass through cuttingstation 60. At the end of sign banner 44 and the curtain 40 an elongatetransverse opening 55, or openings will be provided. When the signbanner is to cut the opening in the curtain will be oriented in thecutting station. When the curtain is to be cut the opening 55 shown inFIG. 4, is oriented in the sign cutting station 60 so curtain 40 can becut without damaging the sign banner 44.

FIG. 7A illustrates a cutting position of the sign banner 44 before thesign banner is cut. In the example illustrated a sign is desired to beinserted between two sign images. The location of the junction betweenthe images having a perforated section 56 (shown in FIG. 5) ispositioned adjacent to splicing station 60. the splicing station. 60 hasspaced apart front and rear elongate beams providing sign holders 62 and62′. In FIG. 7B the splicing station 60 sign holders 62 and 62′ aremoved into engagement with sign banner 44. Pins 64 on the front signholder 62 extend through the perforations in the sign and enterapertures 66 and 67 in the rear sign holder 62′. While the sign isclamped the operator cuts the sign banner by extending a knife throughslot 68 in the rear sign holder and moving the knife horizontally alongthe substantially the entire width of the sign banner. The marginaledges of the sign banner extending beyond the opening severing signbanner 44.

Once the sign is severed, the sign holders are separated as shown ifFIG. 7C. The lower sign is held on a lower row of pins 64 on the frontsign holder 62. The upper sign edge is removed from the upper row ofpins 65 by the operator and place on retainer pins 70 on the rear of thesign holder as shown. The operator then pulls down from thesign-to-be-added from roll 72 as shown in FIG. 7D and the perforatededge of the sign is placed on rows of pins 64 overlapping the edge ofthe sign below. The sign holders are then clamped together as shown inFIG. 7E with the row of pins 64 and 65 extending through upper and lowerrows of apertures 66 and 67. A weld bar that extends the length of thesign is heated to welding temperature and moved into contact with theoverlapping marginal sign edges to form a secure weld joint.Alternatively, the operator can apply a bead of adhesive along themarginal edge of the lower sign with a glue dispenser. Optionally theglue dispenser may be moved by a motor along the length of the signholder. Once the adhesive is applied the sign to be added in pulled downfrom the sign-to-be-added roll 72 as shown in FIG. 7D and the perforatededge of the sign is placed on rows of pins 64 overlapping the adhesivebead on the edge of the sign below. The sign holders are then clampedtogether as shown in FIG. 7E with the row of pins 64 and 65 extendingthrough upper and lower rows of apertures 66 and 67.

Once the weld has cooled or the adhesive is cured, the sign holders aremoved apart as shown in FIG. 7F and the sign is advanced adding a newsign image to the banner 44. After one or more signs have been added thesign is positioned in the add/remove fixture in the next cut position asshown in FIG. 7G. The sign holders are clamped as shown and the sign cutby the operator as previously shown in FIG. 7B. The roll of signs to beadded is retracted as shown in FIG. 7H. A bead of adhesive is applied tothe edge of the lower held on retainer pins 64. After the glue isapplied the edge of the sign held on retainer pins 70 is then placed onrow of pins 64 and 65 overlapping the adhesive. The sign holders 62 and62′ are clamped together.

A perspective of the splicing station 60 is shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B.Sign holder 62 extends the length of the sign attached to the frame atit two ends. Cables 71 are attached to spaced apart regions of signholder 62 to prevent sagging. Sign holder 62′ is pivotably attached tothe frame (not shown) by arms 72 and 72′ which pivot together to clampthe sign banner and pivot apart to free the banner. The arms are springbiased in a bistable manner enabling the operator to move the signholders 62 and 62″ between a closed clamped position and an open clearposition either manually of with a pair of actuators 73.

In the weld joint embodiment, the weld bar maintain the sign holders 62and 62′ tightly clamped together throughout their length during thewelding process. In the adhesive glue joint embodiment to maintain thesign holders 62 and 62′ tightly clamped together throughout their lengthduring curing of the adhesive glue spring clamps 74 shown in FIG. 9A-9Care placed 6 to 12 feet apart on pins 64 and 65. The pins are providedwith a annular grove 69 which receives a U-shaped slot adjacent to tipto which one end of the glue spring clamp 74 is attached. The other endof the glue spring clamp urges the sign holder 62′ against holder 62.Upon curing of the adhesive, the sign addition is complete, the gluespring clamps are removed and the fixture is opened by separating signholders 62 and 62′ and the sign banner is advanced to the sign desiredposition. Alternatively, rather than using glue spring clamps, toggleclamps can be provided to engage the free ends of the pins and clampsign holders 62 and 62′ tightly together.

Alternatively, a hot melt adhesive can be applied to the curtain orbanner and heated in the add/remove fixture by a heating element on oneor both of the sign holders 62 and 62′. The heating element can befurther used to melt the adhesive to remove an added sign at a latertime and the adhesive and be reused multiple times. In anotherembodiment, two-sided tape can be used to join the edges of a sign aftera sign has being added or removed from the banner. In yet anotherembodiment the edges of a sign can be welded together with a heatingelement after a sign has being added or removed from the banner.

The location of a sign which has been added or removed from the bannerwill be programmed into the system controller. The controller can thenbe programmed to position the appropriate sign within the window at thedesired time. Similarly, the controller can be programmed to accommodatethe change in spacing between the signs due to the cutting andoverlapping of the edges of the sign during joining. Although the lossof length of a single sign change is minimal, the accumulated effect ofa number of sign changes over a period of time could adversely affectsign position. Compensating for sign position changes due to signoverlap during joining is preferred. In order to accurately position thesign images locator marks or indicia are provided on the marginal sideedges of the banner and the curtain. These indicia are sensed by ascanner or camera mounted to the frame to enable closed loop feedback tothe controller during sign movement.

The controller is programmed to control the motors for a soft start,followed by a very rapid acceleration. The maximum sign speed isapproximately about 25 feet per second (18 MPH). The sign banner iscontrolled to accelerate and deceleration without tearing the Signs orCurtains. Preferably signs and curtains are changed within in onesecond. The controller needs to adjust motor speed based on the diameterof the rolls as roll diameter changes is constantly changing as the signor curtain is scrolled between the upper and lower mandrels.

FIG. 10 is a rear perspective view of the billboard with the enclosurepanels and window removed along with the curtain and banner to exposethe drive system for the curtain and sign banner. At the top and bottomof the frame are curtain mandrels 42 and 43′. The upper curtain mandrel42 is hidden by the upper frame rail and is shown in the cut awaysection. Due to the extreme length of the curtain mandrels twisting ofthe mandrel during acceleration and deceleration cause problems when themandrel is driven at one end. Accordingly, as shown in enlarged view inFIG. 11, mandrel 42′ is provided with a sprocket or cog wheel 75 at eachend which is connected to a sprocket or cog wheel 76 mounted on driveshaft 78 by a chain of cog belt 80. Drive shaft 78 is pivotally mountedon the frame and is driven by a motor 82 driveably connected to thecenter of drive shaft 78.

In the illustrated embodiment, the curtain mandrel 42′ is an aluminumtube having a diameter of approximately 4-6 inches and a length ofapproximately 48 feet. The curtain mandrel is made of a plurality oftubular sections which are coaxially joined together. In the embodimentillustrated, the curtain mandrel is made from four approximately 12-footsections. FIG. 12 illustrates an exploded enlarged view of 2 cylindricalsegments 84 and 84′ which are joined together by a tubular taperedcoupling 86 which wedges into adjacent ends of tubular section 84 and84′.

FIG. 13 illustrates a view of the frame with covering panels, curtainand sign banner removed to illustrate the internal mandrel support 86. Apair of mandrel supports 86 extend inwardly from each end of the curtainmandrel 42′ to internally support the tube to prevent it from saggingdue to the weight of the curtains. As the curtains move between theupper and lower mandrel support, the weight of the curtains on theindividual mandrel supports 42 and 42′ will vary depending on the weightof the curtains wound about the mandrel. Accordingly, the mandrelsupports 86 are pivotally mounted at an end adjacent the frame and aremoved upward or downward within the tubular mandrel to compensate forthe weight of the curtain.

The mandrel support 84 is shown schematically in FIG. 14A. The mandrelsupport is generally L-shaped member with a long leg 86 extendinghorizontally into the interior of the curtain mandrel. The long leg 86of the mandrel support is preferably 35 to 45% of the length of themandrel, which in the embodiment illustrated, is approximately 18 feet.The mandrel support long leg 86 in the embodiment illustrated is atapered tube of vertically aligned rectangle cross section whichsupports a series of roller supports 88 spaced along its length. Rollersupports 88 in the embodiment illustrated, as shown in FIG. 14B, havethree circumferentially spaced apart rollers pivotally mounted to a longtapered support section 86 with the lower roller being spring biasedagainst the mandrel inner diameter wall. FIG. 14C is a cross-section ofthe mandrel support 84 adjacent the tube end where the mandrel supportsection 86 is the largest.

The short leg 90 of the mandrel support 84 extends parallel to the edgeof the curtain extending upwardly in the case of the lower curtainmandrel and downwardly in the case of the upper curtain mandrel. Theshort leg 90 has a distal end connected to a mechanical actuator forpivoting the horizontal long leg 86 upwards or downwards about a pivotpoint 92 connected to frame 34. The mechanical actuator in the disclosedembodiment is provided by a motor 94 connected to a corresponding nut 98pivotally mounted on the distal end of the short leg of the mandrelsupport 90. The similar mandrel supports are provided at each end of thecurtain mandrels 42 and the sign mandrels 48. By knowing the curtainposition and the curtain weight can be calculated and the mandrelsupports can be adjusted using a computer controller. Preferablydeflection from the horizontal axis can be limited to +/−1 inch over theentire length of the tube and preferably less than inch. In theillustrated embodiment, using an 18 foot long mandrel support long leg86 having six spaced apart roller assemblies 88, sign mandrel deviationfrom the central horizontal axis can be maintained at below +/−¼ inchthroughout the range on curtain movement.

FIGS. 15A and 15B illustrates an alternative embodiment of a mandrelsupport having a short support shaft 85 having a length of about 3 feetwhich is pivotably connected to the frame for movement about pivot pin92′ oriented along a horizontal axis generally perpendicular to themandrel 42. A pair of spaced apart bearings 87 shown in FIG. 15B aremounted on the short support shaft 85 to engage a tubular reinforcement89 affixed within the end of the mandrel. Arm 90′ is attached to andextends generally perpendicular to the short support shaft 85 and isinwardly biased by cable 96′ connected to motor 94′ similar to the FIG.14A embodiment.

FIG. 16 illustrates the front of the scrolling billboard 30 having awindow 38 comprising a series of small window panels 100 which arejoined together to form window 38 with a smooth, substantially flatexterior surface. Preferably the window panels 100 are 4′ by 7′ in sizewhen used in a 14′ by 48′ billboard. The exterior surface of window 38is preferably provided with anti-reflective or a non-glare surfacespaced less than 2-4 inches of the sign banner 44, preferably less than2 inches.

The individual window panels 100 in the illustrated embodiment are madeof an injected molded acrylic material having a UV stabilizer. Thepanels are glued together using extruded clear plastic connector strips102 shown in FIG. 17. The individual window panels 100 have a peripheralflange on the rear surface as shown in FIG. 17 which interlock and arepreferably glued together. The peripheral flanges are provided withmounting structure for receiving vertically extending tensile members144 which in the embodiment illustrated are ¼ inch diameter steel rods.These rods are loaded in tension and provide structural rigidity to thewindow assembly 38 minimizing deflection due to wind loads. Tensilemembers 104 freely pass through an opening in connector 102 as shown inFIG. 17.

FIGS. 18A to 18D illustrate the orientation of channel 108 and tensilemembers 104. To accommodate the expansion or contraction of the acrylicfront panel due to changes in temperature the tensile members 104 aremounted at each end on roller assemblies 106 mounted to a window sealedchannel 108 extending about the periphery of the window. Channel 108 isU-shaped in cross section and has sufficient depth that to accommodateexpansion or contraction of the acrylic front panel due to normaltemperature variations expected in use. Accordingly, the channel in theillustrated embodiment must be capable of accommodating 1.5 inches ofvertical movement and about 3.5 inches of horizontal movement of theplastic window panel do to thermal expansion.

In order to maintain a water and air tight seal, the window preferablyhas a plastic seal frame 110 glued to the marginal edge of the windowpanel so that the seal frame moves and is sealably cooperates with thechannel 108. The elongate tensile members 104 extend through the sealframe 100 and extend through slots in the upper surface of the channel108. Roller assemblies 106 are connected to the ends of the elongatedtensile members 104 to maintain the tension as the plastic front acrylicpanel expands or contracts with the atmospheric temperature variations.Preferably coil springs 112 are positioned about the tensile members 104as illustrated biasing the seal member 110 away from the inner surfaceof channel 108 to maintain the window centered in the window opening andseal connected to the frame 34. Preferably the tension in verticallyextending tensile members is maintained in state of tension of 100 to200 pounds.

The weather tight seal of the acrylic window 38 relative to the frame 34enables the interior cavity defined by the scrolling billboard assemblyto be maintained in a pressurized state slightly above atmosphericpressure. The frame 34 has the window panel 38 which is sealablyconnected to the frame defining a weather tight front facing surface.The rear surface of the scrolling billboard is enclosed by a rear panelhaving a access door having a peripheral seal. The access door providesaccess to the curtain and sign in order to change signs as previouslydescribed. A pressure sensor is located within the interior cavity andthe microprocessor controller operates an air pump to maintain theinterior cavity pressure at 0.2 to 0.3 psi above the atmosphericpressure. Maintaining a positive internal assigned pressure minimizesthe fluttering and deflection of the window panel due to wind loads. Bymaintaining a positive pressure, a thinner window panel and/or fewertensile members can be used.

The air pressure system control the internal pressure within thebillboard. When the billboard access panels are closed the internalcavity within the billboard is substantially air tight. Preferably thepressure of internal cavity 142 shown in FIG. 19 is maintained at 0.2 to0.3 psi above the atmospheric pressure. The air pressure system isstructure is illustrated schematically in FIG. 25. An air pump 144 drawsair from outside of the internal cavity 142 of the billboard. The pumpdischarges pressurized air to an accumulator tank 146. The output of thetank is regulated by an electrically controllable flow control valve148. Air leaving the flow control vale flow into a manifold 150 whichdischarges air uniformly along the length of the internal cavity 142. Apressure transducer senses the internal cavity pressure and a stain gagemeasures the deflection of the plastic window 38. Ideally the pressureis maintained so that the window is outwardly bowed 0.25 to 0.5 inches.When the window varies from the desired bow do to wind loads acontroller cooperating with the pressure transducer 152, the strain gage154, the pump 144 and the flow control valve 148, varies the airpressure within, the internal cavity 142. The flow control valvepreferably is a multi-position spool valve Which can also be used tovent the internal cavity pressure to atmosphere to reduce excess windowoutward blow.

The air pressure system structure is illustrated schematically in FIG.24. The air pressure system controls the internal pressure within thebillboard. When the billboard access panels are closed the internalcavity within the billboard is substantially air tight. Preferably theinternal pressure is maintained at 0.2 to 0.3 psi above the atmosphericpressure. An air pump 144 draws air from outside of the internal cavity142 of the billboard. The pump discharges pressurized air to anaccumulator tank 146. The output of the tank is regulated by anelectrically controllable flow control valve 148. Air leaving the flowcontrol vale flow into a manifold 150 which discharges air uniformlyalong the length of the internal cavity 142. A pressure transducersenses the internal cavity pressure and a stain gage measures thedeflection of the plastic window 38. Ideally the pressure is maintainedso that the window is outwardly bowed 0.25 to 0.5 inches. When thewindow varies from the desired bow due do to wind loads a controllercooperating with the pressure transducer 152, the strain gage 154, thepump 144 and the flow control valve 148, varies the air pressure withinthe internal cavity 142. The flow control valve preferably is amulti-position spool valve which can also be used to vent the internalcavity pressure to atmosphere to reduce excess window outward blow.

The scrolling billboard is capable of scrolling sings and curtains atwind speeds of up to 40 MPH. A wind speed sensor 153 is provided on topto the frame to measure wing speed. When the wind speed exceeds amaximum speed limit the controller will prevent sign movement to preventdamage to the sign or curtain due to engagement with the window. Thesign is capable of withstanding wind loads of up to 100 MPH andpreferably 120 MPH with out damage.

FIG. 20 illustrates a single technician on the ground raising a roll tobe added 72 up to the backside surface of scrolling billboard 30. Thescrolling billboard 30 is shown atop the outdoor billboard structurepositioned high above the ground. Mounted on the back the scrollingbillboard 30 above the access door are two cable winches 120 mountedrear wall. Horizontal boom arm 122 stored within the frame enclosurerotated about a vertical axis to extend outwardly below the openedaccess door between an inboard and an outboard position (shown). When inthe outboard position, the winch cables 124 are placed in pulleys at thedistal end of the boom arms to so the hook on the end of the cable islowered to the ground using a remote control. The boom arms have havinga track 128 supporting a rolling dolly 130. The technician on the groundwill attach the rolls to be added using a sling 132 and roll holder 134and the roll to be added is raised. Preferably the new rolls to be addedmandrel are received by a second technician on the billboard walkway asshown in FIG. 21A. The roll holder has a cone-shaped projection 136which fits into a recess 138 in the trolley 130. Once in place the rollholder is affixed to the trolley with a pin, bolt or toggle clamp. Thewinch cable 124 is extended, and the hook 126 is detached from the rollholder 134 whereupon the trolley 130 and the attached roll to be addedare rolled inwardly into position.

Once the roll to be added is positioned approximately at the ultimatemounting position for the roll to be added, the technician can place apair of roll supports 140 under the roll to be added shown in FIG. 21B.The ends of the roll are then connected to conical mandrels rotatableend supports 141 mounted within the frame shown in FIG. 21C. Preferablythree or four roll supports 140 are spaced along the length of the rollto be added and the ends of the roll to be added are supported by springbiased tapered conical mandrels rotatable end supports 141.

A more detailed view of the sling 132 and the roll holder 134 are shownin FIGS. 22A-22C. The sling is a simple sheet metal roll form havinghook-like marginal edges which engage corresponding marginal edges ofthe roll holder in order to securely hold the two together without needof additional fasteners. This structure enables the sling to be easilyremoved by hand from the roll holder by the technician working up at thebillboard surface.

A scrolling billboard of the present design is particularly well suitedfor remote monitoring using a digital camera mounted at the sign site. Anetwork for remotely monitoring a number of geographically spaced apartbillboards is shown in FIG. 23. A digital camera 26 illustrated in FIG.1 is mounted on the on the end of an elongate boom attached to frame 34in order to take a wide-angle picture of the billboard sign. The cameracan take a series of periodic still images associated with each signchange. Meta data associated with the digital image can store the timethe image was taken, and potentially the length of time the sign wasviewable in the most recent display. Using the digital image, one canmonitor sign orientation, the image displayed, and even image fading andbillboard illumination. In low ambient light conditions, a series oflights 28 attached to frame 34 illuminate the displayed sign image asshown in FIG. 1.

The digital camera 26 is connected to a controller in each of thescrolling billboards. The controller is capable of communicating with aremote server via a wi-fi link, a telephone or cable connection or viacellular telephone. A server stores the billboard image data in adatabase which can be accessible by the outdoor advertising company whowould own the billboards and sells the advertising space, the signcompany who built and maintains the billboard and the variousadvertisers who can monitor and verify the timely placement of their adson the various billboards throughout the network. Utilizing the captureddigital image, one can compare the sign color to a color master signwhen new and monitor the changes in color due to fading in the sun aswell as monitor the sign and illumination levels at night. That way theadvertiser can ensure that the sign is adequately lit while being incompliance with the local light pollution ordinances.

A method of monitoring a sign on an outdoor billboard is accordinglyprovided by this network. The method comprises the steps of, mounting adigital camera to a billboard at a location to view the image displayedon a sign on the billboard and periodically capturing and storing a timestamped a digital color image of the sign. This captured imageinformation is transmitted to a remote server via a communication linkwhere it is stored. The captured image sign color can be compared to acolor master to monitor so changes in sign color and sign illuminationlevel can be monitored. The remote server is accessible by a remotemonitor in order to check the display imaged, date and time, sign colorquality and sign image illumination level.

FIG. 25 is an end view of a trailer specifically adapted to transport ascrolling billboard of the present design on highways and city streets.The trailer can carry a billboard which is approximately 48 feet longand 15 feet high in fully assembled. The trailer is relatively low tothe ground with small diameter wheels 156 enabling the top of thebillboard to be less than 14 feet and preferably not more than 13½ feetabove the ground. The enables the billboard on the trailer to fitbeneath most roadway bridges. By a width of approximately 10½ feet thehighway sign can be transported via heavy duty pickup truck, such as aFord F350 or equivalent with a wide load permit.

The weight of the sign is not a concern when transporting the sign onthe highway, however, the large sign size is an issue when it comes windloading in severe wind loads environments. Accordingly, one or morelarge water filled bladder 158 are mounted low in the trailer providinga ballast weight of 4,000 to 6,000 pounds which is believed to besufficient to withstand wind gusts of 80 MPH and preferably 90 MPH. Thetrailer is provided with 2 axle pairs of wheels. The wheels having atract of at least 6 to 7 feet in order to provided adequate resistanceto roll over as a result of wind side loads.

While exemplary embodiments are described above, it is not intended thatthese embodiments describe all possible forms of the invention. Rather,the words used in the specification are words of description rather thanlimitation, and it is understood that various changes may be madewithout departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.Additionally, the features of various implementing embodiments may becombined to form further embodiments of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A scrolling billboard comprising: a framedefining an opening; a first pair of mandrels mounted within the frameconfigured to support an elongate banner having multiple sign imageswith one of the sign images viewable within the frame opening from alocation remote from the sign; a pair of sign drive motors connected tothe first pair of mandrels; a second pair of mandrels mounted within theframe configured to support a curtain and movable relative to the frameopening between a blocked position in which the view of the sign isobstructed and a viewing position in which view of the sign isunobstructed; at least one curtain drive motor connected to the secondpair of mandrels; and a controller cooperating with the first and secondsign drive motors and the at least one curtain drive motor to change theviewable sign image by moving the curtain to the closed position,rotating the first pair of mandrels to change the sign image positionedwithin the frame opening and moving the curtain to the viewing positionrevealing the sign image positioned within the frame opening.
 2. Thescrolling billboard of claim 1, further comprising an elongate bannerhaving opposed ends of the banner attached to the first pair ofmandrels, the elongate banner having a plurality of sign images printedthereon sized to fit within the frame opening.
 3. The scrollingbillboard of claim 1, wherein the at least one curtain drive motorcomprises a pair of sign drive motors each connected to one of thesecond pair of mandrels.
 4. The scrolling billboard of claim 1, whereinthe curtain is an elongate flexible sheet comprising a transparentsection positionable in front of the banner when the curtain is in theviewing position, and an opaque section positionable in in front of thebanner when the curtain is in the blocked position.
 5. A trailer fortransporting the scrolling billboard of claim 1, comprising: an elongatetrailer frame having a forward and rearward ends and support structurefor holding a scrolling billboard in an inclined orientation: a hitchmember affixed to the forward end of the frame for attachment to atowing vehicle; at least one pair of wheels attached to the frame forsupporting the frame upon a roadway; and; a ballast affixed to theframe, for providing sufficient weight to resist tipping of the trailerframe due to wind load.
 6. A scrolling billboard comprising: a framedefining a rectangular opening which is at least 5′ in height and atleast 12′ in length; a first pair of mandrels mounted within the frameconfigured to support an elongate banner having multiple sign imageswith one of the sign images viewable within the frame opening from alocation remote from the sign; a transparent plastic window formed of anarray of interconnected panels positioned within the frame openingforming a flat exterior surface covering the viewable sign image; afirst pair of drive motors each connected to one of the first pair ofmandrels; a controller cooperating with the first pair of drive motorsand configured to change the viewable sign image by rotating the firstpair of mandrels to change the sign image positioned within the frameopening; and at least four spaced apart vertically extending tensilemembers extending across and horizontally shiftable relative to theframe rectangular opening, the tensile members cooperating with thearray of interconnected panels to reduce the movement of the plasticwindow due to wind loads; wherein, the tensile members are free to movealong the frame in a horizontal direction as the transparent plasticwindow expands or contracts due to changes in temperature.
 7. Thescrolling billboard of claim 6, wherein the interconnected panelsforming the transparent plastic window are comprised of a UV stabilizedacrylic provided with an anti-reflective treatment on an exterior facingsurface.
 8. The scrolling billboard of claim 7, wherein theinterconnected panels have an interior facing surface with an inwardlyextending peripheral flange having apertures for receiving thevertically extending tensile members.
 9. The scrolling billboard ofclaim 6, wherein ends of the vertically extending tensile members areattached to roller followers mounted on tracks associated with the frameand the vertically extending tensile members are maintained in state oftension of 100 to 200 pounds.
 10. The scrolling billboard of claim 6,further comprising a frame rear panel having a sealed access door, whichtogether with the frame and the window define an enclosed interiorcavity which is maintained in a pressurized state by an air pump and apressure sensor connected to the controller.
 11. A scrolling billboardcomprising: a frame defining a planar frame opening; a first pair oftubular mandrels mounted within the frame configured to support anelongate banner having multiple sign images with one of the sign imagesviewable within the frame opening from a location remote from the sign;a plurality of mandrel supports, each having an elongate member with afree distal end extending into an open end of one of the first pair oftubular mandrels, a proximate end pivotably attached to the frame, and amandrel support drive member connected to the elongate member adjacentthe proximate end to rotate the elongate member about a horizontal axisorthogonal to the tubular mandrel causing to engage an interior surfaceof the tubular mandrel; a first pair of drive motors each connected toone of the first pair of mandrels; a controller cooperating with thefirst pair of drive motors and configured to: change the viewable signimage by rotating the first pair of mandrels to change the sign imagepositioned within the frame opening; and cause the mandrel supportsdrive member to provide an upward bias on the first pair of mandrels anamount varying upon the weight of the signs wound about the mandrel inorder to minimize the deflection of the tubular mandrels due to signweight.
 12. The scrolling billboard of claim 11, wherein the pluralitymandrel supports elongate members each have: a free distal end extendinginto an open end of one of the first pair of tubular mandrels a distanceof at least 25% of the length of the mandrel, and an arm attached to andextending outwardly at an angle from the elongate member generallyparallel to the plane of the frame opening.
 13. The scrolling billboardof claim 12, wherein the mandrel support drive member is attached to adistal end of the arm to move the arm in a second plane parallel to theplane of the frame opening.
 14. The scrolling billboard of claim 11,wherein the mandrel support is provided with a plurality of rollers forengaging the interior surface of the tubular mandrel.
 15. The scrollingbillboard of claim 14, wherein the plurality of rollers comprises atleast 4 axially spaced apart clusters of 3 or more circumferentiallyarranged rollers.
 16. A scrolling billboard comprising: a frame definingan opening; a first pair of mandrels mounted within the frame configuredto support an elongate banner having multiple sign images with one ofthe sign images viewable within the frame opening from a location remotefrom the sign; a first pair of drive motors each connected to one of thefirst pair of mandrels; at least one elongate add/remove mandrel forsupporting a rolled sign-to-be-added or a sign-to-be-removed from theelongate banner; an add/remove sign fixture having two elongate beamsextending along the front and rear sides of the elongate banner parallelto the first pair of mandrels, the two elongate beams each shiftablyconnected to the frame and moveable between an inward position engaginga section of the elongate banner and an outward position spaced from theelongate banner, wherein one of the two elongate beams is provided witha row of pins sized to fit through a row of apertures in the elongatebanner and the sign-to-be-added, wherein one of the elongate beams formsa guide to align a cutting tool which bisects the banner, and guides afastening tool which joins the edges of banner sections; and acontroller cooperating with the first pair of drive motors andconfigured to change the viewable sign image by rotating the first pairof mandrels to change the sign image positioned within the frame openingand to position a region of the banner between two adjacent signs in theadd/remove sign fixture to add or remove a sign from the banner.
 17. Thescrolling billboard of claim 16, wherein the fastening tool is a gluedispenser.
 18. The scrolling billboard of claim 16, further comprisingan elongate banner having opposed ends of the banner are attached to thefirst pair of mandrels, the elongate banner having a plurality of signimages printed thereon sized to fit within the frame opening and a zonebetween sign images provided with at least four spaced apart rows ofholes sized and spaced to receive therethrough the series of pins in theadd/remove sign fixture.
 19. The scrolling billboard of claim 16,wherein, the elongate beam provided with a row of pins is provided withtwo rows of pins which are spaced apart along the length of the elongatebanner which has corresponding spaced apart rows of holes.
 20. Ascrolling billboard comprising: a frame defining a rectangular openingwhich is at least 5′ in height and at least 12′ in length; a first pairof mandrels mounted within the frame configured to support an elongatebanner having multiple sign images with one of the sign images viewablewithin the frame opening from a location remote from the sign; atransparent plastic window formed of an array of interconnected panelspositioned within the frame opening forming a substantially flatnon-glare or anti-reflective exterior surface covering the viewable signimage; a first pair of drive motors each connected to one of the firstpair of mandrels; a controller cooperating with the first pair of drivemotors and configured to change the viewable sign image by rotating thefirst pair of mandrels to change the sign image positioned within theframe opening; and at least four spaced apart vertically extendingtensile members extending across and horizontally shiftable relative tothe frame rectangular opening, the tensile members cooperating with thearray of interconnected panels to reduce the movement of the plasticwindow do to wind loads; wherein, the tensile members are free to movealong the frame in a horizontal direction as the transparent plasticwindow expands or contracts due to changes in temperature; wherein thesubstantially flat non-glare exterior surface of the plastic window isspaced within 2 inches of the surface of the sign.
 21. The scrollingbillboard of claim 20, wherein, the vertically extending tensile membersare maintained in state of tension of 100 to 200 pounds.